Bel Canada to open its first Canadian factory

Monday July 16, 2018

Written by Manufacturing AUTOMATION

Jul. 16, 2018 - The Bel Group will build its first Canadian plant in Sorel-Tracy, Que. The facility, whose commercial production is scheduled to begin in early 2020, will be fully dedicated to producing Mini Babybel cheese.

The project will require an investment of $87 million and create 170 skilled jobs spread between the Sorel-Tracy plant and Bel Canada’s Montreal head office.

“Bel has been marketing its products in Canada since 1957, and we know the local dairy sector’s expertise. With this new plant, we are becoming a full-fledged Quebec dairy processor,” said Catherine Thomas, president of Bel Canada.

The new plant will be built on the site adjacent to Laiterie Chalifoux — a company established in Sorel-Tracy in 1920.

“This cheese is currently imported and will soon be produced with 100% Canadian milk. This is good news for local dairy producers. This investment will generate employment and much-needed economic benefits in our regions,” added Bruno Letendre, chair of Les Producteurs de lait du Québec.